Tag Archives: plants

There are several proven ways to learn how to be patient, and I’ve tried a few. For example: Fly-fishing for salmon in a Scottish river (salmon caught? zero). Putting up wallpaper (aaargghh). Taking part in a 24-hour police stake-out (okay, … Continue reading →

We are currently enduring what the French call a canicule and we English-speakers call a heat wave. The entire southwest of France (in which we reside) is under a weather warning, and the papers are full of advice about staying … Continue reading →

Today has been a national holiday in France (Ascension). Which meant that most businesses have been closed for at least a half day, if not the whole day. Which meant that the Othentic Spa in Costeraste is closed. Which meant … Continue reading →

As we’re now well and truly into spring, we’ve had weeks and weeks of alternating rain and bright sunshine. And once again, that means we’re into the season of mowing on a grand scale — known in France as fauchage. … Continue reading →

Having been a city guy most of my adult life (Chicago, Montreal, Toronto), I find it constantly interesting to be exposed to rural/agricultural life here in the Greater Daglan Area. Most interesting of all are the amazing machines that have … Continue reading →

Suddenly, as April began to warm up and the rains started to slow down, the Greater Daglan Area began to be carpeted in fields of gold. Well, okay, the colour is actually yellow, but gold sounds better. At the moment, … Continue reading →

Here in the Greater Daglan Area, we are at last, after a miserably rainy late winter/early spring, walking on sunshine. Lilacs are blooming, cafés and restaurants are open, and my wife Jan and I haven’t had to fire up the … Continue reading →